Year End Functions Ideas for Small Businesses 2022
They say dynamite comes in small packages, which is often the case for year-end functions in smaller companies. The idea that you need a ballroom full of guests to enjoy yourself is grossly wrong. So if you are a small team and need some ideas for your year-end function, think about it. The party can be much more intimate with a small group, whether it’s a luxury party with flute glasses and elegant evening gowns or a relaxed beach party with a sizzling braai and cold drinks. It’s an opportunity to spend some quality time with colleagues, thank them for the past year and be excited about the next chapter in your company’s history when the new year comes.
Small group parties are also much easier to organize. For starters, there is less administration and usually a lot more flexibility around the event date. Plus, you don’t have to consider many personal preferences, dietary needs, and other drawbacks. And best of all, small parties are much more affordable, so you can spend your party budget for what matters, rather than skimping on the menu or cutting down on entertainment just to fit more people.
What Is Year-end Function?
Year-end functions are a way to “prepay” employees. However, end-of-the-year features aren’t just a way to “give back” to your team; they can also be a great way to get your team excited and excited for the upcoming season or year.
However, year-end functions don’t just happen; they require planning and preparation, especially in South Africa, where famous venues are booked well in advance.
Why Host a Year-end Celebration?
- For your staff – We have all experienced serious problems in the last two years. An end-of-the-year celebration allows them to forget each other’s worries for a while and strengthen their ties in the long term.
- For your business – Results should be celebrated. It’s never a bad idea to recognize individual and corporate goals achieved, and a year-end celebration provides you with the perfect opportunity.
- For your future – We all know the importance of setting well-defined goals as a company. Unfortunately, a year-end celebration may not be the time to delve into your future goals. Still, it’s a great opportunity to announce the company’s overall direction, and the kinds of things employees can look forward to in the coming year.
How To Organize A Year-end Function For Small BusinessesChoose a style and idea for the event.
In each event, finding ideas and choosing the style of the organization is the decisive factor in creating the uniqueness and impression of each event. For your end-of-year event, to choose the right style and find the right organizational ideas, you must rely on several factors. This includes company branding, products, company services, times, events or trends.
- Plan an event
An event should always be prepared and executed based on a complete and detailed plan of what you must prepare for and be able to do. For the year-end event, you must carefully plan how to organize your backlog and reassign staff appropriately to coordinate and complete the plan on time.
- Determine the form of organization
At the year-end company party, you can choose between one of the event modes in the hotel restaurant or an outdoor event. This depends on the interests, objectives and allowable budget of each company.
- Select the time and place of the event
Determining the type of organization will make it easier for you to choose a specific and exact time and place for your organization. Carefully choose a time that suits most company employees, neither too early nor too close to the holidays. The venue must also guarantee ease of movement and safety and be large enough to accommodate company employees and guests.
- Organize and decorate year-end events
The organization and decoration work occurred according to the proposed plan. Everyone must coordinate and complete the assigned tasks at this stage accurately and effectively. The full and professional event planning service will do these things because it is the best option for companies to organize a professional and unique year-end event.
- Choose a professional event organization service.
With all the work needed, the year-end party requires professionalism and a high level of expertise in organizing and executing the perfect event. Therefore, you need to choose for yourself a reputable event organization service.
Can a Party Planner Help with Organizing a Year-End Function for a Small Business in 2022?
When organizing a year-end function for a small business in 2022, there are numerous reasons to hire a party planner. They possess the expertise required to handle all aspects of the event, from selecting a suitable venue to managing the guest list. With their help, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring a memorable and enjoyable celebration.
Year End Functions Ideas for Small Businesses
If you’re hosting an end-of-the-year function for a small business, you’re preparing 10 to 50 people. Smaller groups allow for a broader reach because you don’t need to track hundreds of people. For smaller groups, it is possible to organize:
- Murder mystery night
The premise of a murder mystery night is, as the name suggests: that murder is solved. Each person is assigned a character in advance, with their character profile and the story behind the murder. Throughout the evening, the participants interrogated each other to establish who the murderer was. This continues until someone gets it right or until the end of the night.
- Beach party
If the weather is good and the budget is low, there is no better option than a beach party. It is not a theme party, although you can do it, but a beach party. Organize bats, balls, Frisbees, cricket games and volleyball equipment to keep everyone entertained. As for food, opt for hotdogs or hamburgers, ice cream, and plenty of cold drinks.
- Casino party
A casino party is a lot of fun with the right people. Instead of going to a casino, you can take the casino yourself – hire a company to bring all the gaming supplies to your location. The management can sponsor the first round of tokens, and the rest can be purchased. Or don’t play for money and play for prizes. Or it will certainly be a lot of fun.
- Weekend away
You can make a weekend getaway for a very small group or if there are no budget constraints. You can rent a beach house or reserve a spot at a playground. If employees are adventurous, try river rafting or a weekend full of extreme adventures like ziplining, abseiling or quad biking.
Where To Host Your Year-end Function in Johannesburg
- Arbour Café and Courtyard (Birdhaven)
Hidden behind the elegant shops of Wrenrose Court, you’ll find this charming French-inspired alcove dotted with leaves. Seating is available indoors and out, but the secluded interior patio that transforms into the perfect retreat at night is especially great for private functions. Special menus are also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. These range from a la carte dishes to gathering tables, four-course dinners and canapés. Prices range from R140 to R350 per person for three courses. Think baked brie with pecans, cranberry chili, seared sirloin served with herb Bernese, and chicken fillets in a creamy white wine with spinach, sundried tomatoes, and feta. Plus, they can have champagne at the best price in Johannesburg: Veuve Clicquot for only R695 per bottle.
- Café del Sol Botanico (Bryanston)
They have three independent dining rooms, each rented exclusively, and an events team that will ensure your choice is decorated to perfection. They offer three-course menus for special occasions, a shared appetizer-style menu (R420 per person), and two or three-course menus (R495 per person). Think of a salad of roasted butter, goat cheese, or a beef carpaccio to start; seafood risotto or steak with balsamic vinegar for the main course; and the milk panna cotta cake for dessert.
- Calexico (Braamfontein Werf)
Calexico is a trendy American-themed vinyl lounge, bar and grill at 44 Stanley Avenue. The menu features a vibrant mix of flavors from California and across the border. As a gathering place, the space offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The signature menus range from R150 to R250 per capita. They can take the form of canapes, shared tables, or three-course meals that can include quesadillas, nachos, free-range grilled beef or pork ribs, chipotle rotisserie chicken and their fantastic alfresco brownies. Chocolate. They have a variety of DJs or vinyl bands available upon request and welcome drinks included for parties of over 20 people.
- The Countess (Melville)
You won’t find a typical three-course menu at this original steampunk smoked restaurant. Instead, guests can enjoy the Countess’s famous “tables” laden with smoked ribs, wings, spreads, 18-hour brisket, burgers, beer-battered fish, pickles and side dishes. It’s cheap too, costing between R200 and R300 per person, depending on group size and menu options. And, if you’re looking for a party, they can host gin and craft beer stations and a DJ.
- La Vie en Rose (Lower Houghton)
The restaurant seats 300 people, so there is ample room for the larger tables. However, if you’re looking for outdoor dining, look no further than the picturesque gardens dotted with trees and fairy lights. For larger tables, they offer lavish brunch buffets: stuffed croissants, quiches, muesli, pancakes, danish, Caprese kebabs and more at R220 per person. They likewise offer family-style lunch and dinner menus with a choice of starters, mains (steak heads, braised chicken thighs, salads, pasta, vegetables) and desserts at R395 per person. Otherwise, opt for the afternoon tea buffet at R260 and various lunch and dinner buffets starting at R295 per person.
- Luce at Southern Sun (Hyde Park)
Southern Sun Hyde Park boasts a one-of-a-kind rooftop bar with great views of Johannesburg and a luxurious whiskey lounge ideal for private functions. On Fridays, a DJ is on deck, and if you want a more formal dinner, you can dine at Luce. The upscale fine dining restaurant offers both an a la carte menu and a choice of family-style dishes for every table.
- Marble (Rosebank)
Marble offers the complete experience at a high level: exceptional service, impeccable décor, a stunning location and a great flame and charcoal-inspired menu that celebrates the best of local produce. Marble has two private dining rooms, one for 12 and one for 16, both ideal for smaller groups, and there is no cost to rent the place. Guests order from the a la carte menu.
- Olives & Plates (Wits Clubhouse)
This exquisite hidden treasure offers beautiful interiors and a stunning outdoor area under the oak trees on Wits Campus. It also has several conference rooms used for private parties. For dining, choose from the fantastic buffet option or the three-course breakfast and lunch. The three-course lunch menu (for more than 15 people) includes antipasti mezze with homemade sauces, antipasti, salads, bread, four main courses to choose from (chicken with sage, grilled hake, pasta or their famous chicken salad) and a slice of OTT cake for around R300 per person.
- OneNINEone (Rosebank)
There is a private dining room and an exclusive terrace with a maximum capacity of 12 people for intimate gatherings. For larger groups, they have an exciting offer recently added to the one-on-one experience: Art on Wheels – huge works of art that act as room dividers, giving patrons an exclusive experience without the additional cost of renting the site. In addition, they serve an a la carte menu and a nine-course experience menu.
- Perron (Bryanston)
Perron in Bryanston, with its expansive summer terrace, splashes of rampant color and fun-filled vibes, makes it the perfect choice for a relaxing year-end function. They can host small parties and large events; the entire room can accommodate up to 100 seated or 150 standing guests, with the possibility of reserving the patio for about 50 people. They offer a choice of three-course menus (between R190 and R290 each) or more common-style tapas dishes. There is a minimum charge for larger groups instead of the venue rental fee. They can also arrange a mariachi band and face painting for your special occasions.
Where To Host Your Year-end Function in Pretoria
It has been a long year. We have all faced our quota of challenges, wins and losses. So what better way to end a long year of hard work than with a spectacular year-end party? It’s a great way to recharge your team’s morale and celebrate a successful year.
- Moroccan House
Why not step out of everyday life with a year-end function at Casa Marroquí? You will surely appreciate this open and lively place. It will certainly seem like an adventure and a treat for you and the team. They offer exciting Moroccan décor and delightful Moroccan catering for your event.
- Monument Function Centre – Amphi Hall Event Venue
Have any suggestions for the year-end piece? The Voortrekker Monument’s Amphi Hall is great for hosting a party or other event. Excellent food and event planning are two of their specialties. In addition, this location is ideal for any celebration because of its seclusion, spacious event area, and breathtaking vistas. You can throw the best New Year’s party, whether it’s an outdoor picnic for 2,000 or a formal dinner for 2,500.
- Blos Café
Meetings can be held in one of Blos Café’s various comfortable private rooms. You can view these spaces virtually or in-person to determine which one is ideal for your occasion. It is important to Blos that his work not become overly difficult; thus, he does what he can to avoid it. There are many menu options suitable for your event type, and they are more than pleased to assist you in planning it—menus for parties, conferences, braais, and braai-related foods and supplies. You’ll have a lot of options available to you this way.
- Monte de Dios
Monte de Dios is a great venue for big and small events, as it can seat up to 400 guests. This spacious Spanish mansion in the equestrian style offers picturesque surroundings. Their skilled organizers and managers will do everything possible to make your event a success. They provide a wide range of conference packages, from breakfast and morning tea to dinner (platform or buffet). Customization options mean that these bundles can be adjusted to suit your needs. In addition, Monte De Dios has a backup power source in case Eskom decides to apply load shedding, so the celebration won’t have to be cut short at the last minute.
- The Collection
If you’re looking for a low-key and relaxed venue for your end-of-year celebration, The Collection might be it. You can choose between the lovely garden, the retro-style Sports Pub, or the private patio and bar in Jasmine Hall to host your event. It’s important to them to host a bash that you and your guests will never forget. You won’t be able to serve yourself. They instead provide a variety of catering options, including entrees, pizza parties, tea parties, and grilled braai.
Where To Host Your Year-end Function in Durban
These Durban venues offer great food and a festive atmosphere perfectly suited to the year-end party.
- Al Firenze (La Lucia)
For a relaxed dining experience in the area, try this eatery. Make reservations for a group to enjoy a pizza, appetizers, or seafood lunch on the patio. In addition, they provide a separate space for gatherings with more guests. Even though it’s packed, the restaurant is surprisingly quiet thanks to the helpful wait staff.
- Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill (Durban Central)
The Big Easy team has come up with a special end-of-year performance offer for those who want to celebrate with their team or friends. Menus can be arranged at the time of booking and include a three-course set menu from R355 per person with a welcome drink and festive cookies upon arrival. Dishes can include creamy chicken livers with garlic and soy, grilled sirloin with onion rings and Bernese sauce, and a slice of apple and ginger with caramel ice cream.
- Cargo Hold (uShaka)
Dine with sharks at this popular uShaka restaurant. The end-of-year offer here has two menus to choose from and caters to fewer than 15 people (à la carte) or more than 15 people (R295 for two courses and R355 for three). Dishes can include shrimp and tian avocado, lamb duo with mint sauce and potato gratin, and cherry cheesecake.
- The Chefs’ Table (Umhlanga)
This restaurant named Eat Out allows groups to book for a special year-end function. If you are not interested in booking the cozy private dining room, which seats up to 14 people, you can also arrange a smaller table in the restaurant with a special menu. Choose a two-course menu for R335 per person, a three-course menu for R425 per person, or a six-course option for R595 per person. Typical dishes include lamb agnolotti, mushroom ravioli with wild mushrooms and truffles, grilled fish with beans and feta, and Merrivale beef tenderloin with pumpkin and pickled celery.
- Fish & Wine Co. (Umhlanga)
The large and airy space is ideal for group dinners. Sea views, sushi dishes and good wine complete the scene. Call ahead and make arrangements if you want to organize a special menu. Alternatively, you can reserve a large table and share tapas-style sushi and seafood platters.
- Lucky Shaker (Umhlanga)
This lively, tropical-themed bar is the perfect place to linger among the crowds. Reserve the function room for a larger group and pre-order delicious toasted mini canapés, marinated olives and pork rinds, and enjoy delicious cocktails. For smaller groups, reserve a table and order a taco table to share or enjoy some burgers.s.
- Lupa Osteria (Durban North)
What better than an Italian party for your year-end party? Choose from two set menus at R195 or R265 per person. Among the dishes the Sarah pizza with buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and Parma ham; Lindsay pizza with American walnut ham and caramelized pineapple; spaghetti with meatballs and slow-cooked tomato sauce; Wood-Roasted Kingklip with Lemon Butter and Caper Sauce; and vanilla crème brûlée.e.
- Village Table (Umhlanga)
The views here make The Village Table a great place to have lunch with the company of the book club or with your work team. You can reserve a segment of the restaurant for your function or reserve a large table. Choose from set menus ranging from R140 per person to R280, or order many dishes filled with meat, fish or vegetarian, to share. Mediterranean-style dishes include halloumi with sweet chili sauce, calamari, chicken livers, and espetada de rump. Chocolate brownies will complete your meal.
Where To Host Your Year-end Function in Capetown
We’re counting down the weeks left in 2022, and there aren’t many left! So before you set sail into the sunset with some much-needed leave, say goodbye to your amazing colleagues in style by booking your office party at one of these year-end venues in Cape Town. We have included restaurants and bars that range from elegant to casual and relaxed. You are covered depending on your pocket and the size of your party.
- Salsify
Expect the unexpected in Salsify. Located in the historic Roundhouse building, Salsify promises delicious and indulgent food and an experience of nuanced flavors and culinary techniques.
- TRYN at Steenberg
TRYN at Steenberg is a sophisticated place for your year-end function. Expect delicious Cape-influenced cuisine in one of the southern suburb’s most beautiful settings.
- Casa Labia
Take a trip to 18th-century Venice at Casa Labia. With unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean, Casa Labia is truly a delight. You can rent separate rooms depending on your group’s occasion and size.
- Belly of the Beast
A truly unique experience, Belly of the Beast promises you something different and delicious. They don’t have set menus or a set amount of dishes. All you need is to arrive and trust that you’ll get something delicious, and you definitely will.
- Pot Luck Club
The Pot Luck Club offers a special intimate dining experience with artfully crafted small plates perfect for sharing. They offer lunch and dinner service or brunch service on Sundays.
- LILY’S – Mouille Point
Pop into the “happy place” of the Mouille Point neighborhood for simple meals served fresh in a friendly, edgy setting that never takes itself too seriously. Lily’s is stylish and contemporary, with a great menu.
- The Athletic Club & Social
If your year-end feature is bound to end in a boogie, The Athletic Club & Social is for you. With fantastic dishes to share and tapas, you can start the evening in the dining room and head upstairs for a cocktail and after-dinner dance.
Conclusion
There are many ideas for end-of-year functions, but the hard part is finding something fun and different that works for small groups. We know no one wants to do the same thing year after year. Your team wants something different, but developing new and fun ideas is hard. Our ideas for small businesses looking for profitable year-end features that resonate with their employees are endless.
FAQ
What are some creative themes for a casino-style year-end function?
A Great Gatsby-inspired evening, a Monte Carlo night, a Vegas Strip party, or an Old Hollywood glam affair can add excitement to your casino-themed year-end event.
How can we incorporate gin into our year-end functions beverage selection?
Offer a bespoke gin-tasting experience, create a custom signature gin cocktail for the event, set up a DIY gin and tonic bar with various garnishes, or provide mini gin-infused food pairings.
What types of food would complement a casino and gin-themed year-end function?
Serve luxurious finger foods like canapés, gourmet sliders, sushi rolls, and oysters. Consider adding upscale snacks such as chocolate-dipped strawberries or artisanal cheeses that pair well with gin cocktails.
How can we ensure responsible gambling during our casino-themed year-end function?
Use funny money or tokens instead of real currency to keep the gaming light-hearted. Hire professional dealers who can also monitor the games and encourage responsible play. Additionally, provides other entertainment options beyond gambling activities.
What entertainment could enhance our casino and gin-themed year-end function aside from gambling?
Include live music such as jazz bands to set the right mood, have performances by magicians or comedians for added fun, organize a photo booth with themed props for memorable pictures, or even feature dance lessons like swing or salsa to keep guests engaged throughout the event.
